It will be interesting to see how this will play out in the future. From what I've understood, the UK has had some pretty bad relations with the EU for quite some time anyway, so I'm not really that surprised about it happening eventually. I am, however, sad that the refugees are the catalyst for it. That at least is something I think we should be supporting.

AstrophelFear will kill your mind and steal your love as sure as anything;Fear will rob you blind and make you numb to others suffering

Originally posted by AstrophelCameron's a fucking idiot. This never had to come to a vote, but he was so fucking sure there'd be overwhelming support to stay in the EU that he just had to do it.

Now look where his stunt went.

Fucking idiot.

And now he's out. As is possibly Scotland and Northern Ireland. Sort of funny with how much they've wanted out of the UK for generations, but previously opted to remain, and this is what's driving them to finally leave.

To answer your question, Xeo, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. The EU is made up of 28 (now 27) European countries making it such that they are united politically and economically (hence most of them using the Euro.) This federation makes it easier for citizens of those countries within the EU to travel within that union (you don't have to go through an insane amount of customs, etc), immigrate from one to another, work, trade, etc.

Think of it like U.S. states. Say you want to move from Kansas to New York. You don't have to go through the struggle of customs, applying for citizenship and the weight of proving that you deserve a job and that your depriving employment of a hypothetical New Yorker is justified in you being an essential worker (something I've watched friends go through when moving to Germany), on and on and on. You don't have to show a passport when traveling between states and territories, you don't have to pay tariffs for something you bought online that's coming from another state, and you vote on the federal level (much like EU citizens do, alongside voting for things within their own countries.)

Furthermore, by unifying, it made them economically stronger overall, increased human rights legislation, and caused them to not butt heads and compete against each other over many of the issues they did in the past. Countries not in the EU, like Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, still reap benefits from working relationships with the union by paying for them, falling under the European Economic Area. The UK doesn't have the same amount of financial backing as those three. Switzerland -- also not an EU member -- remains fiercely independent and neutral, but still allows for free travel under the Schengen Agreement. The UK still demands people show passports, however.

Anyway, the main reason people give for the "Brexit" is the UK wanting to stem the flow of immigrants. Any EU citizen can choose to move or retire to any country within the EU that they want and I'm sure you've heard about the refugee crisis that's going on. Millions are fleeing Syria, Iraq, and North Africa, risking life and limb (hiring smugglers who more often than not abandon them to the elements to go scam more refugees), to make it to EU countries like Germany, who's welcoming them with open arms. At the same time, those demanding the Brexit were saying the UK should return to its own sovereignty like the good old days ("Make England great again!") and that Brussels, Belgium (where the EU is headquartered) is too overpowering.

Consequences of the Brexit: the UK's goods account for almost half of the exports in Europe. Choosing to leave will likely dry up that trade. And as mentioned before, regions of the UK are talking about casting themselves off to attempt to remain with the EU.

I still am in shock that it passed. I heard that the margin was so close that they might have to have second vote, but I don't know if that is actually going to happen or not. Gods, I hope so... but as John Oliver said, "There are no fucking do-overs!"

I am just wondering if this means we will see a unified Ireland and an independent Scotland in our lifetimes.

The UK is out after two years, so we'll see if the two do leave. Nicola Sturgeon's saying they'll explore all their options, but she and most other Scots are disgusted that they are being dragged through the Brexit, saying they're being used as bargaining chips.